In 2026, the Eurovision Song Contest reaches its 70th edition with a new event that brings together the participating delegations under the organization of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU–UER) and Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF), the host broadcaster of the organizing country. As every year, within the framework of the contest, the Marcel Bezençon Awards are also presented, recognitions created to highlight different artistic and creative aspects of the participating entries beyond the main prize decided in the final gala.
THE MEDIA AWARD
The Press Award is granted by accredited media professionals covering the festival. This year, it has been awarded to “Eclipse”, the Australian entry performed by Delta Goodrem.
THE ARTISTIC AWARD
The Artistic Award is given by the commentators and experts of the participating broadcasters, aiming to recognize the best stage and artistic performance of the edition. In this case, the award went to Bulgaria, with DARA and her song “Bangaranga”.
THE COMPOSER AWARD
The Composer Award, chosen by the songwriters and composers participating in the edition to honor the musical and compositional quality of an entry, has been awarded to “Før Vi Går Hjem” from Denmark, composed by Clara Sofie Fabricius, Søren Torpegaard Lund, Thomas Meilstrup, and Valdemar Littauer Bendixene, and performed by Søren Torpegaard Lund.
The Marcel Bezençon Awards, prizes with 24 years of tradition
In 2026, the Marcel Bezençon Awards celebrate their 24th edition as one of the most prestigious parallel recognitions linked to the Eurovision Song Contest. These awards have been presented annually since 2002 and are named after Marcel Bezençon, a key figure in the creation of the European contest and former president of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
To honor and celebrate outstanding Eurovision participants, the Marcel Bezençon Award has been presented annually since 2002. It is named after the festival’s founder.
The initiative was promoted by Christer Björkman and Richard Herrey, both closely linked to the history of the contest as Swedish representatives in different editions. Since its creation, these awards aim to recognize artistic and compositional excellence among the participating entries. Although in its early years the award ceremony took place after the final had concluded, since 2009 the awards have been announced during the final day, before the start of the main broadcast.
Initially, two categories were established: the Press Award and the Artistic Award. Later, in 2004, the Composer Award was added, completing the current format. The voting system varies depending on the category. The press recognition is decided by accredited journalists, while the composition award is determined by the participating songwriters of each edition. The Artistic Award has also evolved over the years. Between 2002 and 2009, the selection was made by former contest winners. Since 2010, this responsibility has been given to the official commentators of the participating broadcasters.